Operation Vala uMgodi operators arrested a 29-year-old Zimbabwean for possession of suspected gold bearing material and gold processing equipment in Doorn near Welkom. The team arrived at the identified house in Cactus Street and conducted a search.
The suspect was found busy melting gold bearing material at the back of the house. The gold bearing material weighing at 3.42 kilograms was collected as evidence by crime scene experts together with the burner pan, phenduka and stand. A further search was conducted and as it is an identified trend, the police opened the manhole in the yard leading to sewage pipes. A gas cylinder, brown connector pipes, cutting torches, two oxygen cylinders (19kg), a steel pot and a stumper were found hidden inside the manhole. A case docket of possession of gold bearing material; gold processing equipment and contravention of the Immigration Act was opened at Welkom Police Station.
Meanwhile, in other areas in the Free State Province, collaboration between the South African Police Service and Private Security Companies continued to bear good results. Multiple explosive detonators, mine contraband foodstuffs such as powdered milk, powdered drinks, instant porridge, peanuts, rice and tinned food were found in illegal underground miners sleeping area and were collected by Private Security Company and Bomb Disposal and Explosives Experts in Kopanong Mine.
The arrested 29-year-old Zimbabwean will appear in Welkom Magistrate’s Court soon.
